Head-to-head · 2026
Fahan School vs The Friends' School
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Hobart. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Fahan School is Independent (Non-denominational Christian ethos); The Friends' School is Independent (Quaker).
- Gender: Fahan School is girls; The Friends' School is co-educational.
- The Friends' School offers boarding; Fahan School is day-only.
- The Friends' School is the older school (est. 1887 vs 1935).
- Both schools are in Hobart, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Fahan School | The Friends' School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Sandy Bay, Hobart | North Hobart, Hobart |
| Sector | Independent (Non-denominational Christian ethos) | Independent (Quaker) |
| Gender | girls | co-educational |
| Year levels | Pre-K-Year 12 | K-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1154 | 1158 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $25,000 | $21,580 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $22,840 | $19,280 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes · $23,800/yr |
| Founded | 1935 | 1887 |
| Religion | Non-denominational with Christian ethos | Religious Society of Friends (Quaker) |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Fahan School
Standout strengths
- ›Small intimate enrolment (~430 students)
- ›Named after Irish village Fahan, Co. Donegal
- ›Strong rowing and aquatic sports program
Independent (Non-denominational Christian ethos) girls school in Sandy Bay, Hobart. Small intimate enrolment (~430 students)
See full profile →The Friends' School
Standout strengths
- ›Australia's only Quaker school
- ›Strong values-based education + service
- ›Boarding for rural Tasmania + Pacific
Quaker co-educational school in North Hobart. Founded 1887.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Fahan School or The Friends' School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, The Friends' School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, The Friends' School is more affordable. Both are in Hobart. The most meaningful comparison is on culture, programs, transport and entry pathway for your specific child — visit open days and talk to current parents.
What are the 2026 fees for Fahan School and The Friends' School?
Fahan School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $25,000 (Year 7: $22,840). The Friends' School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $21,580 (Year 7: $19,280). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Fahan School vs The Friends' School?
Fahan School has an ICSEA score of 1154; The Friends' School has 1158. The Australian median is 1000. ICSEA measures the socio-educational advantage of the school community — it correlates with academic outcomes but does NOT measure teaching quality or value-add. ICSEA is published by ACARA on MySchool.
Which school is older, Fahan School or The Friends' School?
The Friends' School is the older school (founded 1887 vs 1935 for Fahan School).
Do Fahan School or The Friends' School offer boarding?
Fahan School: Day school only. The Friends' School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $23,800/yr.
Next step
Model the 6-year cost for either school
Project Year 7-12 tuition with 4.5% annual indexation. Add boarding, levies and sibling discounts. Compare side-by-side.
Open calculator →